Neighborhood suggestions for North Carolina (Raleigh, Cary: houses, transfer, safe neighborhoods)

[ADUB1012]

Hello Everyone!


My Fiancé and I are planning on moving to North Carolina Next summer and have planned a trip for next month to check out some areas we might like to move. I am looking for any advice on good neighborhoods to check out or up and coming regions in Wilmington or Raleigh area that might fit our needs.
We are looking to buy a house ( due to our dogs not being allowed in many apts) and our budget will be around 300k. We do not have any kids, however we do have 2 large dogs so I would like an area that I am able to take them on daily walks and not have to drive to a park. I would also like a more unique neighborhood not a new development where all the houses are the same.


We are in our Mid- late 20's and My Fiancé works remotely and can move anywhere within an hour of an airport and I work federally and have a transfer opportunity to either Raleigh area or Wilmington. ( I'm leaning toward Wilmington due to the small town feel and Ocean).


Any suggestions or advice on where to live/ not to live would be helpful!!

[BC1960]

In Wilmington, I'd suggest the area south of Oleander Drive, east of S. College Road and north of Piner Road. The northern part of that area is very close to Hugh McRae Park.

I don't know a lot about Raleigh, but I do know $300K won't buy much. Some of the more mature neighborhoods in Cary might work for you, but the houses might need some updating.

[ADUB1012]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. Can i ask why that area in particular?

[TarHeelNick]

Originally Posted by BC1960

In Wilmington, I'd suggest the area south of Oleander Drive, east of S. College Road and north of Piner Road. The northern part of that area is very close to Hugh McRae Park.

I don't know a lot about Raleigh, but I do know $300K won't buy much. Some of the more mature neighborhoods in Cary might work for you, but the houses might need some updating.

Wilmington isn't exactly known as a bastion of affordability itself. I don't think Wilmington is more affordable than Raleigh/the Triangle....if anything housing costs are probably a little higher there compared to the Triangle unless you go a good way out of town.

[BC1960]

Originally Posted by TarHeelNick

Wilmington isn't exactly known as a bastion of affordability itself. I don't think Wilmington is more affordable than Raleigh/the Triangle....if anything housing costs are probably a little higher there compared to the Triangle unless you go a good way out of town.

Median house price in Raleigh is around $250K versus $216K in Wilmington.

Also, online COL comparison says Wilmington housing costs are 10% less than Raleigh.

[BC1960]

Originally Posted by ADUB1012

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. Can i ask why that area in particular?

Nice attractive, safe neighborhoods, good schools (important for resale), good access to parks, shopping, the beach and within your price range.